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Then she glances over again, right at me.

This time, there’s curiosity in it.

My heart gives another stupid thump.

I could keep sitting here.

I could let this be a passing moment and tell myself it’s none of my business.

That’s what I always do.

That’s the whole trick of my life: drive in, touch something warm, drive out before it can become an anchor.

But I’m in town for a week.

And this new woman in town is sitting ten feet away with a smile that could either save me or ruin me.

Casper nudges me under the table again.

“Go on,” he murmurs. “Say hi, darlin’.”

I glare at him. “Don’t call me darlin’.”

He beams. “Couldn’t help it.”

Cyrus is quieter, but it lands. “If you don’t, someone else will.”

That does it.

Not jealousy, though a flicker of that ugly green thing does spark under my ribs, surprising me.

More … urgency.

I don’t want the first person in this town to make June feel seen to be someone who doesn’t deserve her trust.

I set my slice down.

Wipe my hands.

Slide out of the booth.

Casper watches me with the satisfaction of a man who loves a good story. Cyrus watches me, probably taking mental notes for later.

I walk toward June’s booth at an easy pace, approaching as a normal man and not someone who’s been on the road so long he’s forgotten how to be in a room.

Millie spots me first and grins. “Hey, Rex! Didn’t know you were back in town.”

June turns slowly.

Her eyes widen a fraction.

That same caution flickers again, fast.

I stop a respectful distance away and tip my head.

“Hey there,” I say. “Good to see you, Millie. You must be June.”

June blinks. “I… yeah.”